The report from ANSES (National Health Security Agency), published on Thursday April 6, revealed the presence of pesticides in drinking water. Therefore, can we continue to drink tap water? La Dépêche takes stock.
The conclusions of ANSES are categorical on the subject: in 57% of the 300 samples studied in several departments, we find traces of chlorothalonil, an agricultural fungicide pesticide banned in France since 2020. If the water remains drinkable, is it without risk?
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Drinking water in France largely contaminated by residues of a banned fungicide
In a third of cases, the presence of this pesticide exceeds the regulatory threshold of 0.1 microgram per liter of water set by the Public Health Code. This campaign led to a speech on Friday, April 7, by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, recognizing that this presence of abnormally high traces “could create an unacceptable health risk for the consumer”.
Should we avoid drinking tap water?
The question arises for the regions most affected by this pollution, such as Brittany, Hauts-de-France, the Centre, Pays de la Loire or the Paris Basin. But the answer is unequivocal: yes, you can continue to drink tap water.
Asked by The ParisianMarillys Macé, Director General of the Water Information Center, affirms that “tap water is the most closely watched consumer product in France. (…) It contributes 5 to 10% of the intake of residues of pesticides and herbicides absorbed by the population, much less than those of other foods or the air we breathe.”
Are the consequences instantly visible?
Please note that zero risk does not exist. She continues: “The presence of these traces acts as a flashing light to which all the necessary attention must be paid. At the same time, the risk is calculated scientifically for a consumption of one to two liters per day and per person, on a total duration of 70 years. It is therefore not immediate, as that of microbiological contamination can be, with immediate and visible consequences on the health of consumers.
What is the situation in Haute-Garonne?
The objective of the Adour-Garonne basin agency is to achieve 100% purity by 2027. Currently, this rate is only 50%. While organic and industrial pollution is well controlled thanks to wastewater treatment plants, the immediate problem concerns the treatment of micropollutants, whether they are of agricultural origin, such as pesticides, medical, with the discharge of drugs, or urban, lead cars and arsenic.
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The Garonne at low water: tap water under control
Today, there are nearly 10,000 polluting molecules in the Garonne, which must be reduced at source. However, these substances are diluted and difficult to eliminate.
